Your Favorite Films?

Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
edited August 2016 in General Movies & TV Posts: 40,370
Branching off the 'Five Favorite Bond Films' topic, this one is simple: list your favorite film, along with anything else you care to share about it.

My favorite film: 'Munich', 2005, directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciaran Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Lonsdale, and Mathieu Amalric. It was nominated for five Oscars.

Plot: Based on the true story of the Black September Aftermath at the 1972 Munich Olympics, the movie follows the five men responsible for killing those responsible for that fateful day in Munich, Germany.

I can't even begin to describe why I love this film, or I will never get it posted. It will be an entire novel by the time I'm through with it. Simply: it's rich. It's deep. It gives one of the best narratives I have ever seen, you get very involved with the characters, their pasts, you learn about them and soon love them. It's based on a true story, and after doing massive upon massive amounts of research for a paper on the 1972 Munich Incident in college, I slowly learned that this movie does heavily follow the real life events to a certain, film-capable degree. They all give amazing performances, the action is very realistic and gritty, and it's a heavy recommendation to anyone who enjoys a good, historic drama.

Also, something you guys might appreciate that I did, as well. Maybe you noticed from the cast list, but this film has a pre-Bond Craig (who accepted the role just weeks after wrapping up this film), a pre-Bond Amalric (Dominic Greene in QoS), and a post-Bond Lonsdale (Drax in Moonraker, who ironically plays Amalric's father).
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Comments

  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,686
    I love 'Munich' as well !!

    My favorite film happens to be a Spielberg as well - 'Schindler's List'. It's just an amazing film - you can sit through a 3 hours watch, and you don't feel bored or look at your watch at all !! Neeson, Kingsley and Fiennes are wonderful, the cinematography is top notch, and Williams score is mesmerizing. Some really haunting scenes. The final 10 minutes are brilliant.

    But I cannot NOT mention my runner up best film : 'Senna'. Wonderful documentary about my all time favorite sportsman : Ayrton Senna. Exciting race footage (Monaco '84, Suzuka '89 and '90... And really fabulous unseen footage, like the drivers briefing ! Great insights. And the final 40 minutes (Imola '94) are just heartbreaking. After watching 2 hours of film and you arrive at his fatal crash, you can't help but just drop big tears. This film is not just about F1 cars, but about a mesmerizing person that went beyond racing cars. Some greats interviews from his great rival, frenchman Alain Prost.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    edited August 2011 Posts: 40,370
    Y-you like 'Munich'? Thank you for being the first person I have EVER met that has seen and liked that film. I live in West Virginia, a place full of people who love dirtbikes, mud, and hunting: I like good clothes, movies, and Bond - something I can't find fellow lovers of around here.

    Speaking of 'Munich', the scene where they go to detonate the phone bomb - their second target - and the girl returns home? And only Avner and Carl are aware, and the scene and score go quiet, and it's just them running down the street, trying to stop Steve and Robert from detonating the bomb? Man, that gives me chills to this day. Can't watch it without my heart racing.

    'Schindler's List' is beyond beautiful. It's exactly like: I can sit there and watch it for three hours and just not be bored. Such a heartbroking, then hopeful film. The scenes with the girl in the red dress and Fiennes sniping miscellaneous Jews are just absolutely tragic.

    Given your love of these films, I'll definitely have to see 'Senna' some time. I want to say I've heard about it.
  • DarthDimiDarthDimi Behind you!Moderator
    Posts: 23,448
    2001: A Space Odyssey

    My favourite film of all times!
  • do_me_nicelydo_me_nicely Banned
    edited August 2011 Posts: 106
    The King's Speech For Me .
    Best picture , :>
    1. The King's speech
    2. Schindler's List
    3. I havent watched Munich yet . a Good pick dimi !!
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    I was glad 'The King's Speech' won Best Pic. I was tired of 'The Social Network' getting rave reviews, and I really didn't want another 'Slumdog Millionaire' on my hands. Hated Facebook from the beginning, and 'The Social Network' did nothing for me. Still have yet to see 'The King's Speech', sadly. Some of my other favorites:

    Man On Fire, Blood Diamond, and Children of Men.

    But by far, nothing beats 'Munich' in my eyes.
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,686
    Children of Men !! I love that one ! Owen is great, Caine is wonderful. The cinematography it just amazine. The single-shotbit where Owen exist the building with the woman and her baby is just... I can't find the words. Fantastic.

    'Pontypool' is amazing. Great low-budget Canadian horror film... but with a VERY original twist. Stephen McHattie gives a powerhouse performance, worthy of an Oscar..

    I also love 'The Full Monty'. A very enjoyable viewing everytime... Man Carlyle is great in this one... A hugely hilarious little flick.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    'The Full Monty' is excellent. Man, I haven't seen that in forever, it feels like.

    Yeah, the cinematography in 'Children Of Men' is astounding. I re-watched it a few weeks back, and there are actually multiple scenes that are all one take: when they are attacked in the road while riding in the SUV, when they escape that manor with the pregnant woman late at night, the ending scene (beyond beautiful), the scene where they are all talking in the manor, the scene in the beginning when they grab Owen and interrogate him. So much. Alfonso Cuaron can make a movie.
  • Away from the Bond movies my favourite movie, of all time is

    Die Hard

    Just love it.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    @007JamesBond, the original is my favorite. Rickman in that movie has to be one of the best movie villains I've ever seen.

    "Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs."
  • edited August 2011 Posts: 321
    @Creasy47, without a doubt the original is by far the best and, in my opinion, the best action movie ever made. As you say Rickman is great and is one of my favourite actors along with Bruce Willis who plays his role as McClane absolutely spot on. Die Hard made me aware of who both these actors were and I love to watch them in anything.

    The sequels are obviously not up to the quality of the original but still half decent action movies and I watch the 4 of them, particularly the original, if I have nothing else to watch.

    Yippee-Ki-Yay!!!
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    Yeah, the sequels aren't too bad. I can watch them, but they are nothing like the first. It was one of those movies that was always on in my house when I was a kid, but I never sat down and appreciated it because...well, I was a kid. Now that I'm older, it's extremely enjoyable. One of the better action movies out there, and it was made in the 80's. Films today rarely come close to touching what Die Hard could do.
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,686
    Another cult classic I rank high : Raiders of the Lost Ark. The best adventure film ever made.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    'Raiders' is amazing. Best part of the movie: when that samurai-type guy is flashing his sword, and you know Indy is up against something big, and he just pulls out his gun, shoots him once, and walks off. Amazing.
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,686
    I have a soft spot for the wonderful (IMO) 'Awakenings' with Robin Williams and De Niro. De Niro is simply mesmerizing, and Williams shows he is very good in drama. A very likable character.
  • Put Casino Royale/GoldenEye out of the way then my favourite would have to be:

    Inception (2010)
    - I know that the audiences can be divided due to a 'confusing' plot, but this movie to me is absolutely brilliant. Yet another masterpiece from astonishing film director; Chris Nolan, after watching it the amount of times i've seen it i understand the plot, and i cannot see why it would confuse anyone anymore! It's a great and unique film, with a great cast, exciting action and wonderful sets, along with a great pace of time.

    10/10 from me, straight and honest.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    'Inception' is another brilliant pick. Nolan at his best, and one of the finest of casts I've seen in some time. Great plot, great action, and keeps you thinking and questioning the entire movie. It's one of the films that you have to see twice.
  • edited August 2011 Posts: 11,189
    There is so many to chose from. I know it's not very sophisticated but my vote has to go to T2 Judgement Day.

    The story goes deeper than it did in number 1. The effects are superb, the score is terrific and Robert Patrick is scary as hell.

    Arnie standing at the window with a mini-gun. I think I'm on cloud-nine ;)

    It's one of a few films which I can practically quote all the dialogue (GE is on the list too). In fact I can't really think of any glaring faults. It's certainly James Cameron's best work.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    edited August 2011 Posts: 40,370
    'T2' is just an amazing film. I think I enjoyed having Arnie play the protagonist more than I did when he was the antagonist. That sewer scene with the motorcycle and 18-wheeler? Amazing.

    Glad I made this topic, you all have really great picks as your favorite films. I'm loving 'em.
  • edited August 2011 Posts: 303
    'Inception' is another brilliant pick. Nolan at his best, and one of the finest of casts I've seen in some time. Great plot, great action, and keeps you thinking and questioning the entire movie. It's one of the films that you have to see twice.
    That ending is just great too.
    - Keeps you thinking even after it's finished.
    But you know Cobb is happy, therefore you just go along with it.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    edited August 2011 Posts: 40,370
    Nolan said it's one of those unestablished endings that leaves the viewers to choose what really happened with the top, which I like. Let's the people who pieced the film together as a dream think that he was still dreaming, and let's viewers like me who think he succeeded in his mission and made it home think that the top eventually toppled.

    If you liked Dicaprio in that movie, you should check out 'Blood Diamond', if you have yet to. He plays a ruthless South African diamond smuggler, who teams up with Djimon Hounsou's character - who knows the location of one of the biggest blood diamonds around - to find it and locate Hounsou's family before leaving. Very emotional, action-packed film.
  • @Creasy47

    I'm not sure if i have come accross Blood Diamond yet, but i have spotted it in local HMV stores, thanks for the reccommendation, i always enjoy checking out new films.
  • Posts: 1,817
    The Godfather and The Godfather Part II
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    @CoH, no problem. Really good film, Dicaprio definitely delivers.

    @0013, welcome! Good choices, yet again. "I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse."
  • DaltonCraig007DaltonCraig007 They say, "Evil prevails when good men fail to act." What they ought to say is, "Evil prevails."
    Posts: 15,686
    'Blood Diamond' is excellent ! Must have seen it 3 times in the cinemas when it got released !
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    I can never pick a favorite. There's too many, but I have a few. I like Nolan's The Dark Knight and Memento. TDK is a realistic type film that happens to have a guy in a bat suit, but it is still deep and unforgiving. You see a fallible Batman, a scared Batman. I could write a book about Ledger's performance. Truly one of the most psychotic performances I've seen akin to Hopkins and Hannibal. The Joker is just insane in this, and the relationship between him and Batman is played out brilliantly. My favorite performance in any movie ever in a film from Ledger's performance.

    Memento caught my attention instantly. The story of a guy who loses his memory after his wife's rape/murder seems to be a cliche sure, especially when he tries to get the killer. But it sure isn't friends. The way Nolan's brother crafted the original story is shocking. I love the movie for the simple brilliance of the puzzle pieces. The man is tracking his wife's killer through tattoos on his body and photographs. Scenes are shown out of order then backtracked. The movie is so great you will never ever ever predict the plot. To fully appreciate it you have to see it three times full. I recommend for both Memento and TDK for great Nolan. Inception if you want to question whether we're all alive or still dreaming. That movie f#$%^ed me up for days.

    My last for now is Rain Man. The film is touching and happens to be my second favorite performance in a film from Dustin Hoffman as the autistic Raymond. The film is touching, funny, and lets you see the truth of the human condition. Tom Cruise is Charlie Babbitt, who finds out his dead father left his money to a brother he never knew he had. Charlie finds out about Raymond, who has amazing mental capabilities. Over the course of the film Charlie's mission is to take Raymond back to LA to get some attorneys and get the money he thinks he deserves. I never want to spoil this, so I'll stop. But let it be noted, Dustin will touch your heart, no matter if you're as cold as Bond. He gives an Oscar winning performance that will live on in cinema.
  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    @DaltonCraig007, lucky! I would have killed to have seen it in theaters.

    @0Brady, yet another excellent choice. 'Rain Man' is such a good film: goes from dramatic to hilarious to stunning all in one scene, multiple times over. The restaurant scene towards the beginning and the scene with Charlie and Raymond in the airport are a riot.
  • edited August 2011 Posts: 295
    The Empire Strikes Back, probably.

    Christopher Nolan is the most overrated filmmaker of the last 20 years imho-- he has yet to produce a truly great movie. To me his films come off as rather clunky and heartless. I know I'm in the minority, though.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    The Empire Strikes Back, probably.

    Christopher Nolan is the most overrated filmmaker of the last 20 years imho-- he has yet to produce a truly great movie. To me his films come off as rather clunky and heartless. I know I'm in the minority, though.
    Your opinion is your opinion @GL, no need to feel like a minority. That's what this forum is about. Different opinions circumnavigating around the wonderful world of James Bond. Different opinions is what fuels great threads here. Feel free to say what you want.

  • Best film. Ummm a tough one. It depends on my mood. The film I keep coming back to you again again again and I know it's a cliche but Citizen Kane.

    Forget the back story about the film you know, it's the other stuff that I keep finding about it makes it even better.

    Rosebud was apparently was a nickname Hearst used for his mistress Marion Davies; a reference to her clitoris. So Kane died "with 'Rosebud' on his lips.

    Amazing.

    The Third Man comes close.

    But I do have a cannon of fav movies (non bond):

    Citizen Kane
    The Third Man
    The Wages of Fear
    Godfarther One and Two (Counts as one)
    Apocalypse Now
    The Killer
    Oceans 11 (GC and BP version)
    Alien and Aliens
    French Connection
    The Conversation
    Serenity
    The Hot Rock
    The Natural
    Rio Bravo
    The Last Cowboy
    Any Laurel and Hardy movie
    oh I could on; I better stop I'm already off topic.

  • Creasy47Creasy47 In Cuba with Natalya.Moderator
    Posts: 40,370
    Doesn't get much better than Citizen Kane. One of the best films I have ever seen.
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